Born in Asheville, North Carolina, USA• Died Dec 10 1999

A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Hemphill moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian. After working the Los Angeles comedy club circuit, her routine eventually attracted attention leading to her being cast in guest starring roles on television. In 1976, she landed the role of brassy waitress Shirley Wilson on the sitcom What's Happening!!.
Browse acting and crew credits across movies and TV — filter and sort to find specific roles.

Charlene Grover

Sister Claus


Coco

Shirley Wilson

Shirley Wilson (archive footage)



Shirley Simmons

976-Sexy


Pushy Fan from Tour Group